EP2400832B1 - Device and method for remote control of plants in pots - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

This invention relates to the automatic monitoring, measurement, testing or examination and corresponding display of determined or determined values of importance for the care and well-being of plants. The appropriate system according to the invention and the method executed therefrom make it possible to communicate to the owner or user, regardless of location, the respective condition or the condition of a plant in a memorable, directly understandable form. Here, the user of the system, the current or predicted state of a plant transmitted in a manner that simulates the emotions of the plant and thus aims to trigger emotions in the user itself, for example, by language and culture-independent icons. Furthermore, the user can be notified by the system according to the invention as soon as one of the monitored plants runs the risk of being damaged. The system comprises one or more planters in which inconspicuously sensors and additional components are integrated, which determine preferably in real time various parameters, such as temperature, light, air and / or soil moisture or nutrient or pollutant content. Via a local network, these parameters are supplied as digitized data, preferably wirelessly, eg via a gateway, a hub or a connection to a mobile radio network, to a central office or a central server. This is where most of the data processing takes place. The obtained state variables for the respective plants are preferably wirelessly to a receiver, eg a mobile device, PDA, mobile phone or PC transmitted and displayed to the user in a simple but memorable representation, for example, by language and culture-independent icons.

Background and state of the art

A major problem in the care of plants is their delayed reaction to external influences. Even if it is recognized that a plant is not optimally supplied, it is often difficult to determine the specific cause. In addition, also unique, short-term events such. For example, a forgotten open window in winter can have permanent negative effects on a plant.

The identified problems have led to a whole series of partial solutions. Some are described below.

In the published US Patent Application 2007/0208511 the architecture of a computerized plant monitoring system is shown, however, in which the user must manually classify the plant. A sensor provided with a memory device is stuck in the ground for some time, then taken out and connected to a computer which reads the measured and stored data. A corresponding computer program then determines the state of the plant and displays this state to the user. A disadvantage of this system is that no real-time observation is possible, but only the values of the past can be evaluated. In addition, it seems difficult to use the system for plants that are watered from below. Furthermore, the sensor will be visible because it has to be plugged into the ground and removed again for reading.

The published US Patent Application 2007/0208512 shows a plant monitoring system that works in real time and also a sensor and a computer. The sensor again contains a memory. The computer enters the profile of the plant in advance in this memory and places the probe near the plant. As soon as adverse conditions are found in the environment of the plant, which can negatively affect the plant, this is indicated by the sensor. Again, the probes and computers are not actually connected in real time, but the probe is pre-connected to the computer to store the profile data of the plant. A change in the profile data since its last storage therefore has no effect on the display of the probe.

In the published US Patent Application 2007/0208591 A system is described in which a computer is used to compare environmental data with stored plant profiles. This is to determine which plants are suitable for the selected location. In this case, the user is informed immediately commercial information for the purchase of such plants.

In the published US Patent Application 2007/0208592 a similar computerized selection system is shown, in which a measuring device is installed at the place where a plant is to be arranged, which receives and stores the environment data for a certain time. The measuring device is then removed, the measured data is transferred to a computer, evaluated and suggestions are made as to which plants are suitable for this place.

in the U.S. Patent 7,400,975 is a sensor with a memory described, which can be used in an architecture, as in the above US Patent Application 2007/0208591 is described. The sensor shown consists of two parts. A lower part contains a number of sensors arranged in the ground. The upper part is one detachable communication interface that stores the determined data. The communication interface is manually disconnected from the probe and connected to a computer to transfer the stored data to it. Again, this is not a real-time representation.

In the publication DE 10 2007 032 610 For example, a method for remotely monitoring the medical condition of a user is proposed. In this case, the data is collected by attached to the body of the user sensors that notify a doctor or the user itself via a multi-level data processing system, for example. In this publication, neither sensors of the type mentioned in this application nor measurement of temperature, humidity, pollutant content, etc. are provided in a plant environment.

In the publication EP 0 846 440 is about monitoring the physiological status of persons, especially soldiers. Here, too, data is collected by sensors attached to the soldier's body and a GPS. Similar to the previous publication, this is not about a plant environment, but measuring in a person's environment.

Also in the publication EP 1 352 606 It is about the monitoring of physiological data of a patient. It is interesting here that a series of basic data is entered in advance and the limit values are provided which, if exceeded, result in an alarm message. However, here too, it is not about the monitoring of plants which delimits the present application.

In the published patent application DE 10 2004 020 515 is the remote monitoring of muscle activities in humans and animals described. Here is the actual measuring device separated from the data processing. A small, battery-operated device is attached to the patient or animal, which transmits the measured values wirelessly. The distinction to this publication lies again in the fact that in this no reference to plants is taken.

Also in the European patent application EP 1 002 496 The aim is to continuously monitor and evaluate the bodily functions of a patient. This patent application is particularly concerned with the wireless remote monitoring of the measured values obtained, which is carried out by means of various radio networks. Neither the communication of the transmitter / sensors with each other nor the reference to a plant environment are disclosed.

In the patent application US 2004/0 088 916 It is a plant monitoring system with a series of sensors, which transmit the data by radio. However, this system is more directed to the supervision of commercial acreage and does not disclose details as contained in the claims of the present application. As a result, the present application is different from the one described above.

These existing partial solutions are liable to various disadvantages. A disadvantage is the time delay between the detection of adverse circumstances and the notification of the owner or user, if such notification is even provided. Another disadvantage is the impairment of the appearance of the plant when z. B. sensors are visible near the plant. It is also awkward when a sensor to read out the data taken out and cleaned in most cases, before it can be connected to the computer. In addition, the latter requires the presence of the owner or user. The presented systems, which refer to the remote monitoring of persons, are therefore liable that they do not refer to the monitoring of plants in buildings or in the immediate vicinity of a building. The presented systems related to the monitoring of plants are either not suitable for remote monitoring or are only suitable for use in commercial growing areas. In the second case, therefore, there is no solution for the obviously too large and disturbing sensors in or on a flowerpot.

Another disadvantage of the systems described is that they each represent only partial solutions. In other words, there is no fusion of the data obtained. However, the overall picture of the state of a plant can only arise if all the data obtained are included in the presentation of this image.

The invention

Based on this prior art, the invention has set itself the task of creating an integrated system that allows the remote monitoring of a plant, the owner or user should be notified in a simple manner early and immediate, as soon as adverse circumstances prosper or question the health of a plant. This notification should also be possible if the owner or user is not in the vicinity of the object. Extrapolated data, ie forecasts of future sensor values (based on historical values, plant species, location, season, weather report, etc.) can also be taken into account. Thus, in some cases, the plant can make itself felt in time if a problem arises. An example of such a notification is the message "Need water in 2 days at the latest!", Which informs the user before any damage occurs. Also, the owner should not have any special equipment to be able to receive and see or hear the notification. The invention may also be configured to provide the owner or user with instructions and advice on how to positively influence the prosperity and health of the object. An essential aspect of the invention is the integration of the technical components into the vessel of the plant in order not to impair its appearance and aesthetics by monitoring the plant. In addition, the system should be easy to handle, ie an owner or user must be able to handle it easily without having to have special computer skills.

In order to achieve the described functionality, the respective state parameters of the plant are inconspicuously measured, transmitted, evaluated and a message or a corresponding signal is transmitted as a message to the owner or user in real time.

The inventive system and method for determining and displaying state, state and sensory changes of a plant to an owner or user is characterized by the features of claims 1 and 14. In this case, sensors are arranged on or in a nutrient medium a planter, locally determine at least one physical parameter. These probes, along with other components, are integrated into the planter, allowing for the encoding of the parameter signal and its wireless transmission to a receiver. This receiver is connected to a processor which processes the received parameter signals, wherein the generated output signal provides information about the state of the object. The generated output signal (eg health status, location, temperature) is then transmitted wirelessly to a preferably mobile display device, which gives the owner or user an optical or acoustic indication of the condition of the plant.

• Temperatur und/oder Feuchtigkeit des Bodens,
• Temperatur und/oder Höhe der Wassersäule der Nährlösung
• Temperatur und/oder Feuchtigkeit der Umgebungsluft,
• Dauer und/oder Intensität und/oder Art (Polarisation, Lichtfarbe und -temperatur) des auf die Pflanze fallenden Lichts.

In this case, at least the nutrient or pollutant content of the soil or the nutrient solution and preferably further of the following physical parameters is determined and evaluated:

• Temperature and / or humidity of the soil,
• Temperature and / or height of the water column of the nutrient solution
• Temperature and / or humidity of the ambient air,
• Duration and / or intensity and / or type (polarization, light color and temperature) of the light falling on the plant.

As described in the description of the invention in the next section, an intelligent flowerpot constitutes an essential part of the invention. By "intelligent flowerpot" is meant herein a flowerpot that has been augmented by sensors having one or more of the above physical parameters can measure. In addition, an intelligent flower pot has a processor and memory to process the signals from the sensors. This intelligent flower pot can transmit the sensor data via a wireless communication module either directly or via a relay station to the Internet, where further processing of the data takes place. Details of the inventive system and method can be taken from the following description and the claims.

Description of several embodiments

Fig. 1

eine Übersicht über das gesamte System;

Fign. 2a-2e

eine Teilausführung des intelligenten Blumentopfs;

Fig. 3

ein Beispiel für einen unauffälligen sog. Sensorclip;

Fign. 4a-4b

Beispiele für Sensorclip-Anordnungen;

Fign. 5a-5e

Beispiele für intelligente Blumentöpfe; und

Fign. 6a-6b

Beispiele für eine Ausführung eines intelligenten Blumentopfes bestehend aus Sensoren, die in das Substrat gesteckt werden.

The invention will be explained in detail with reference to some embodiments, which are also shown in the accompanying drawings. On the drawings show:

Fig. 1

an overview of the entire system;

FIGS. 2a-2e

a partial version of the intelligent flower pot;

Fig. 3

an example of an inconspicuous so-called sensor clip;

FIGS. 4a-4b

Examples of sensor clip assemblies;

FIGS. 5a-5e

Examples of intelligent flowerpots; and

FIGS. 6a-6b

Examples of an embodiment of an intelligent flower pot consisting of sensors which are inserted into the substrate.

In Fig. 1 an overview of the entire system is shown by way of example. A plant 1 is located in a flower pot 2 which is filled with substrate, expanded clay or with a hors-sol material such as coconut fibers or rock wool. In the following description and in the claims, "earth" is to be understood as meaning any material in which plants can rooted or grow, ie, for example, expanded clay or a hors-sol material.

Also in the flower pot, a sensor 3 is shown, for example, measures the water level. As described below, not only a single sensor or sensor node is used, but at least two sensors for a variety of parameter measurements in or on the flowerpot will be arranged.

Of course, the parameter signals could be transmitted directly from the flower pot 2 to the Internet 5. For this purpose, the flower pot 2 needed a transceiver unit that complies with the standards of an already existing infrastructure, in which case, for example, GSM, UMTS or IEEE 802.11 would come into question. However, these standards have been developed for high data rates (UMTS, IEEE 802.11) or mobile data (UMTS, GSM). The price of this functionality is usually a very high energy consumption of the transmitter. However, in the present case transmit only small amounts of data and the terminals are stationary. Therefore energy-efficient standards can be applied here, eg Zigbee, Z-wave or 6LoWPAN / 802.15.4. For these standards, however, there is no ubiquitous infrastructure, ie an infrastructure must be created locally. This is precisely what the optional Smart Object Gateway (SOG) 4 does. However, transmission over an existing but energy-intensive infrastructure (eg GSM, UMTS, or IEEE 802.11) may still make sense if the number of data transfer operations is low. For example, it makes perfect sense to resort to an energy-consuming standard if data is transmitted only once a day.

However, it should be noted that the SOG 4 may well rely on an existing wireless infrastructure (e.g., GSM, UMTS, IEEE 802.11, or 802.3) to transmit the data to the Internet 5. In particular, the SOG may, of course, be e.g. also be a GSM, UMTS, or IEEE 802.11 access point, i. The SOG can be part of an independent telecommunications infrastructure. It thus acts as a gateway between an energy-efficient and a less energy-efficient transmission technology.

The digital output signals output by the (or the) intelligent flowerpots 2, which represent the parameter (s), are optionally transmitted via the described gateway SOG 4 to a central computer or server 6.

This central computer or server is referred to here as Smart Object Server (SOS) 6. There, a central data processing takes place, wherein existing, located in a memory 7 data can be accessed. Furthermore, the SOS 6 can also access external data sources 9, which takes place via the Internet connection 8. This will make it possible to determine the exact status of the observed plant 1, to recognize undesirable developments and possibilities for their elimination, to estimate possible dangers, in short to create a comprehensive overall picture of the observed object 1.

The set-up consisting of an intelligent flowerpot, which transmits data wirelessly either directly or via a Smart Object Gateway to a Smart Object Server, is adopted as a known standard procedure. The intelligent flower pot is embedded in this superordinate architecture.

The overall image of the monitored plant is now transmitted to the owner or user of the plant. This can now also be done via the Internet, with which the SOS 6 is already connected. (This possibility is in Fig. 1 not shown). A more sophisticated approach is to use a mobile terminal that has a wireless network interface (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) as a user interface and the owner in a conspicuous manner the state of his plant (or a variety of his plants) display. In this case, both an automatic notification of the user or owner may be provided, for example, in case of water shortage of the plant and thus the risk of withering, or even initiated by the owner request to the system for the condition or health of the plant. The representation of the respective condition or the condition of a plant is carried out in a memorable, immediately understandable form. For this purpose, the current or predicted state of the plant is transmitted to the user of the system in a manner that simulates the emotions of the plant and thus aims to trigger emotions on the user himself, eg by language and culture-independent icons.

This is done both via a telecommunications network, which preferably supports the Internet Protocol, in particular the mobile radio network, e.g. according to the GSM or UMTS standard. For this purpose, the SOS 6 is connected to one or more mobile network operators 10, from whom or from whom the connection via the mobile radio network with the mobile device 11 of the user or owner of the plant 1 is established. The content of this communication is primarily controlled by the SOS 6.

The function of the system according to the invention is illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1:

The user or owner of the system, while on vacation, wants to know about the vitality of one of his plants. To do this, he launches an application on his mobile phone 11, which connects to the SOS 6. Since the smart flower pot in which the plant is located sends measured values to the SOS 6 over the entire time, it is now possible to calculate a detailed status report based on current and historical data as well as on the comparison of other, similar plants. This state is now sent to the mobile phone of user 11 and, for example, as the plant is well, displayed with a laughing smiley.

Example 2:

Once installed, the SOS 6 provides a logical link between a user, a flower pot and the plant that is in the pot. At regular intervals or when an extraordinary event occurs, the flower pot transmits sensor values to the SOS 6. This can be explained well by the example of lack of water. As the water level in the plant is extremely slow changes, it is sufficient to transmit the water level once a day, for example. Of course, the water level can also be measured at a higher or lower sampling rate if required. The user is always able to check the current water level as the communication between his mobile phone and the SOS 6 takes place. If the water level falls below a tolerance mark, an alarm is generated and the user receives a message on his mobile phone. When the user then pours the corresponding plant, the system visualizes the water level on the mobile phone in real time. This is done by interpreting an increasing water level as an extraordinary event, since finally only in a fraction of the total system time a casting process is carried out. As a result, the data is not transmitted at regular intervals, but only when leaving a tolerance range. In the case of the water level, this area would therefore be very small, with the result that even small changes are interpreted as extraordinary events. This event in turn triggers that the message chain sensor node, SOG, SOS, and finally mobile phone, the messages can be transmitted so fast that the user a tracking of their own activity, ie the casting, in real time is enabled.

• Temperatur des Bodens
• Feuchtigkeit des Bodens bzw. Wasserstand im Reservoir
• Nähr- bzw. Schadstoffgehalt des Bodens bzw. des Wassers im Reservoir
• Temperatur der Umgebungsluft
• Feuchtigkeit der Umgebungsluft
• Lichtstrom und/oder Beleuchtungsstärke des auf das Objekt fallenden Lichts.

As already explained above, the essence of the invention lies in the most inconspicuous measurement of parameters by sensors and their wireless transmission. This information is communicated to the user or owner of the object virtually in real time. In the illustrated system, the following parameters are measured:

• Temperature of the soil
• Moisture of the soil or water level in the reservoir
• Nutrient or pollutant content of the soil or of the water in the reservoir
• Temperature of the ambient air
• Humidity of the ambient air
• Luminous flux and / or illuminance of the light falling on the object.

Overall, the above-described objects are achieved by the integration of sensors and various facilities for data transmission, data processing and data storage. Since there are different types of plants, there is a need to use different approaches. This is shown below using the example of a water level measurement.

The present technical problem is reliable and invisible as possible to determine the water level in the pot of a potted plant. This depends on the irrigation system of the pot. In a sub-irrigation system, the plant is supplied with water from below. In the pot are usually earth and / or clay balls (expanded clay), the latter absorb the water. A suitable sensor is in FIGS. 2a-2d shown and described below.

The FIGS. 2a to 2d show examples of sensors, as they can be used in the inventive system and with the aid of which the water column can be measured in an underfloor irrigation system. These sensor nodes measure the water level and various other physical quantities and produce digital output signals that they transmit by radio.

The in Fig. 2a sensor shown consists of a housing 20 in which a vertically movable float 21 is arranged, which carries a magnet 24 fixedly connected to a rod. On the opposite wall of the magnet 24 is a series of reed switches 23 - four in the example shown - arranged so that at different Positions of the float 21 different reed switches are activated. The position of the float 21 is dependent on the water level, so that the reed switch closed by the magnet 24 directly emit a digital detection of the water level. It is sufficient, for example, to provide a reed switch per cm water level, this also depends on the length and field strength of the magnet 24 used. Of course, the number of reed switches also depends on the difference between minimum and maximum water levels. Details of the digitization of the water level are described below.

Furthermore, there are at or in the in Fig. 2a sensor shown a battery 25 for the power supply and an electronic circuit 22, which is used for processing or digitizing the or the determined parameter values and for creating a recordable by radio record. This is sent via the antenna 27.

The following sensors may, for example, additionally be arranged in or on the water level indicator: a light sensor 26, an air humidity sensor 28, a temperature sensor 29, these three preferably being arranged in the upper region of the water level indicator. At the bottom or in the lower area, a nutrient or pollutant sensor 30 is further attached, which detects the concentration of nutrients or pollutants in the pot. To prevent shading, the light sensor can optionally be extended by an optical waveguide 70. This can be directed to the upper part of the plant to measure part of the microclimate.

The in Fig. 2b shown water level indicator consists in principle of the same parts as the water level indicator in Fig. 2a , the items are therefore not listed here again. In the housing 20 is in turn the float 21 is arranged, in which case the magnet 24 'is located in or on the float 21. At the magnet 24 'opposite wall are four reed switch 23', so that at different positions of the float 21 different reed switches are actuated.

In Fig. 2c the arrangement of magnet 24 and reed switch 23 is shown again in an enlarged detail view, this figure probably needs no further explanation.

Of course, more than one magnet 24 can be connected to the float 21; thus can be z. B. improve the resolution of the arrangement. In Fig. 2d a total of five reed contacts 23 are shown, which are opposite to a float with two magnets 24.

These Fig. 2d shows how the digitized output of the water level arises directly from the positions of the float. In this case, a digital signal indicating the water level is generated immediately. In the example shown, two magnets 24 are attached to the float or firmly connected to it, to five reed switch 23 to the magnet; The distances between the reed switches are smaller than the distances between the two magnets.

In Fig. 2d different positions of the magnets 24 are shown from left to right, corresponding to different water levels. In the first display or column on the far left, the upper magnet is opposite the topmost reed switch so that it closes. In a five-digit binary digital number, this corresponds to a first "1" with four following "0s"; the complete digital number for the upper limit water level is therefore "1 0 0 0 0". If the water level drops, eg due to consumption and evaporation, the float will move with the Magnet 24 down slightly and takes the position shown in the second column. The uppermost reed switch remains closed, the third reed switch from the top is also closed: the corresponding digital number is "1 0 1 0 0". If the water level drops further, the digital numbers "0 0 1 0 0", "0 1 1 0 0", etc. shown in the next right-hand columns are available as an indication of the respective water level. The last column shows the lower limit water level; the associated digital number is "0 0 1 0 0".

FIG. 2e shows the nutrient or pollutant sensor 30 in detail. For nutrient measurement, for example, the conductivity of the water is measured, which is a measure of the salinity, ie the salt content, of the water. For this purpose, the two measuring electrodes 32, 32 'are annularly mounted on the inner edge, ie on the inside of the housing 20. In order not to prevent the float 21 from ascending or descending, the measuring electrodes 32, 32 'are integrated in the housing such that the surface of the housing 20 does not change. As the electrode material, a low-corrosion metal or other conductive material may be used. For this purpose, in particular graphite, platinum and titanium in question, where it is advantageous for cost reasons to use titanium or a titanium alloy. In particular, grade 2 titanium is suitable for this purpose. To measure a current to the two measuring electrodes 32, 32 'is applied for a short time and determined by means of the electronic circuit 22, the electrical resistance between the measuring electrodes 32, 32'. The reciprocal of the resistance is called conductivity of the water and serves to determine its salinity. In this way, one can detect the most important inorganic nutrient compounds, which include in particular nitrogen and nitrogen-containing compounds, potassium and phosphorus.

Furthermore, the intelligent flower pot can be used as a relay station for the forwarding of data or data packets, which it receives from other sensors, in particular those with low transmission power, such as the so-called "sensor clips". This is possible because the flower pot according to the FIGS. 5a to 5d compared to the "sensor clip" off Fig. 3 contains a relatively powerful power supply. A corresponding example of a weak power supply "sensor clip" will be described below.

In Fig. 3 is another, namely in the form of a leaf, a fruit or a flower shaped sensor node shown, which is hereinafter referred to as "sensor clip". Also, this sensor clip contains several sensors that are suitable, for example, to measure the temperature and humidity of the air surrounding the plant, ie its microclimate. A further arranged on the sensor clip, photosensitive sensor is used to measure the incident light, whereby its temporal distribution can be determined.

The sensor clip in the Fig. 3 is a simplified version of a sensor node, as it is designed for a particularly low power consumption. This makes it possible to operate it by means of a solar cell, with which a battery can be omitted or possibly only as a small backup battery is necessary. The desired low power consumption, however, results in a short range when sending the determined data. The forwarding of received data packets is also ruled out, as it can be carried out by other sensor nodes.

The sensor clip should also have a low weight, so that it can be easily arranged at or near the plant, eg inconspicuously on the trunk, without affecting the overall impression.

The in Fig. 3 schematically illustrated sensor clip 3D3 in the form of a sheet consists of a carrier 35, for example a plastic film, which may be formed simultaneously as a solar cell. At the "stem" is a fixing member 38, with which the sensor clip 33 can be attached to the plant itself or to a holder. The solar cell on the surface of the sensor clip is used for power supply. Also on the surface a total of three sensors 34 are arranged in the illustrated sensor clip. These measure the incident light, the prevailing temperature and the humidity of the ambient air. The sensors and the solar cell are connected to an electronic circuit 36, which is practically invisible on the underside of the sheet. This electronic circuit 36 takes over the evaluation of the values determined by the sensors and the transmission of the digital parameter signals obtained therefrom by means of a transmitter via the antenna 37 to the gateway 4 or just in the case of a relay station first to the intelligent flowerpot, in which case only small distances of 1-2m have to be overcome.

Suitable arrangements of such a sensor clip are in the FIGS. 4a and 4b shown. In both cases, the sensor clip 44 is attached to a rod 43, which is in the soil of the flowerpot 41 next to the plant 42. In Fig. 4a the sensor clip 44 is formed as a sheet, as in the Fig. 3 shown. In Fig. 4b the sensor clip 44 is designed as a flower and thus relatively inconspicuous next to the plant.

There are also plants whose leaves need to be moisturized regularly. On such a plant, a sensor clip mounted on a sheet may serve to detect the process of spraying, or even to indicate that the plant needs to be sprayed with water.

In a surface irrigation system in which the water supply is from above, a sensor according to the FIGS. 2a or 2 B Not used. In such a system usually the entire pot is filled with soil, so that the soil moisture can not be determined by the water level. In addition, a sensor inserted from above into the earth measures too imprecisely, since on the one hand the water collects in the lower area and can even lead to rot there, on the other hand the soil dries from top to bottom. There are several approaches to this.

It is possible, as solved in the prior art, to use a moisture sensor placed in the ground from above to measure the humidity of the earth. However, since the soil dries from top to bottom, the moisture on the surface is only limited meaningful and thus such a measurement very inaccurate.

A completely different approach is to measure the moisture according to the invention in the soil in the flower pot at several points, possibly also at different heights, and to install further sensors for determining further parameters in or on the pot. MaW, no sensor is placed on or in an ordinary flower pot, but the pot itself is equipped inside and / or outside with several sensors that provide appropriate data. Such an "intelligent flower pot" is in the FIGS. 5a to 5d shown in various embodiments and will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 5a shows a first embodiment of such a smart flower pot in cross-section, which corresponds to a surface irrigation system; FIGS. 5b and 5c a second, modified embodiment, which corresponds to an underfloor irrigation system; Fig. 5e finally a top view.

The pot 50 in Fig. 5a is filled up to level 51 with soil, expanded clay or a hors-sol material. On the upper edge, the edge of the pot 50, at least one photosensitive sensor, light sensor 52, is arranged. It is also possible for a plurality of such light sensors to be distributed over the edge of the pot 50. Furthermore, in the pot are a number of rod-shaped electrodes 56, which extend from the bottom of the pot, extending into the earth. These serve as an earth moisture sensor. The more electrodes are arranged in the pot, the more accurate the measurement, as it can be differentiated between different areas of the pot. The electrodes are in Fig. 5a shown unequally long, but may also have the same length. The advantage of this arrangement is that the soil moisture is indeed determined near the roots of the plant and not on the often-dried soil surface. The electrodes themselves measure electrical capacitance, which is a measure of what is called the dielectric value, which is a degree of relative permittivity. This can be determined in particular by a frequency measurement.

Furthermore, a temperature sensor 53 for measuring the prevailing temperature is provided at the bottom of the pot 50.

Also at the bottom of the pot 50 within the soil is a nutrient sensor 55 which determines the nutrient or pollutant content of the soil.

An electronic circuit 58 is isolated and sealed embedded in the bottom of the pot 50. It is used for processing, in particular digitizing the data determined by the sensors and prepares the data packets that are intended for wireless transmission. Latter takes place via the antenna 59, which is located on the outer wall of the pot 50.

The power is supplied by a battery 60, which is also isolated and sealed embedded in the bottom of the pot 50, however, so that it can be changed without emptying the pot. A supply by an external power source, in particular a socket is also possible.

The modified pot 50 in Fig. 5b is also filled to the level 51 with earth. On the upper edge, the edge of the pot 50, two photosensitive sensors, light sensors 52 and 52 ', are arranged. Of course, several such light sensors can be distributed over the edge of the pot 50 here as well.

Above the level 51 of the earth in the pot 50, a humidity sensor 54 is further arranged, which determines the humidity in the pot near the surface of the earth.

In the upper part of the pot 50, but below the level 51, there are two nutrient sensors 55 and 55 'which monitor the nutrient content of the soil in the pot. A third nutrient sensor 55 ", which may be formed, for example, as a nitrogen sensor, is located at the bottom of the pot within the earth.

In addition, at the bottom of the pot 50, in turn, two rod-shaped electrodes are arranged, which function as an earth moisture sensor 56. They protrude into the earth and determine the moisture of the earth in the pot.

Insulated from the ground in the bottom of the pot 50 is a circuit 58. This has several functions: one hand, it is connected to all sensors mounted on and in the pot 50 and processes, in particular digitized, the parameter values obtained from these sensors; On the other hand, it supplies the digitized data for wireless transmission to the central server SOS 6.

This wireless transmission takes place via an antenna 59, which is arranged at the upper edge of the pot 50. A second antenna 59 'can be arranged laterally on the pot 50 and optionally optionally or additionally operated. These antennas are mainly used to transmit the digitized data obtained from the various sensors mounted in and on the pot.

If the (in the FIGS. 5a and 5b not shown) plant in the pot 50 one of the in connection with the FIGS. 4a and 4b described sensor clip 44 carries or such is arranged in the pot 50, one of the existing antennas can also be used for the reception of the data transmitted from the sensor clip 44. The processing of this sensor clip data is then also in the circuit 58, which serves as a relay station in this case.

The energy required for the operation of the circuit 58 and thus the transmission and possibly the sensors provides a battery 60, which is housed in an externally accessible compartment of the pot so that it is insulated from the earth in the pot 50 and easily replaced can.

Fig. 5e shows a plan view of a again slightly modified smart flower pot. Here are two light sensors 52 and 52 'mounted on the upper edge of the pot, to two RFID tags 61 and 61' and two nutrient sensors 55 and 55 'on the inner wall of the pot. On the ground of the same two electrodes 56 for the soil moisture sensor and a nitrogen sensor 57 are arranged.

The FIGS. 5c and 5d show another version of the smart flower pot, this time suitable for plants that are supplied by underwater irrigation with water. In this case, the water level sensor 20 is connected via an electronic circuit to the smart flowerpot 50 such that they form a unit. In this case, the water level sensor 20 is connected via a connection 63 with the interior of the pot 50 so that water can get to the water level sensor 20. Fig. 5d indicates the smart flowerpot without the water level sensor 20. The problem of water level measurement is solved here by electrodes 67, which can measure the water level, for example, by resistance measurement or by capacitance measurement.

Two other embodiments are in the FIGS. 6a and 6b shown. In both, the above-mentioned water level sensor 20 and a humidity sensor 68 are electrically combined into one unit. This solution is z. B. makes sense for a transitional period, if the owner does not want to repot his plant in the above-described intelligent flower pot, but they want to leave in the previous pot system. There are two configuration options. As in Fig. 6a shown, the circuit 22, the battery 25, as well as the necessary radio module, which is preferably part of the circuit 22, in the water level sensor 20 are located. Usually, however, the problem arises that particular batteries consume a lot of space and therefore find it difficult to place in the outer wall of the water level indicator.

In a second configuration, the in Fig. 6b is shown, are the circuit 22, the battery 25, and the necessary radio module in the humidity sensor 68. In this sensor, there are rarely space problems, so that a larger and thus cheaper battery can be used. In addition, in this configuration, the battery is in the "dry area" outside the pot, which can often be beneficial. In both configurations, the water level and humidity sensors are interconnected via a cable 69. This cable can be eg a USB cable. This cable is used to exchange data between the two sensors as well as to supply them with energy. Data flows over the cable from one sensor to the circuit 22 of the other sensor. Likewise, a power supply through the battery 25 in this way is possible.

Now, it will not be a problem for a person skilled in the art to design and manufacture a smart flowerpot that meets specific conditions and needs, whether by the plant or the user or owner.

Claims (15)

1. System for detecting the state and/or changes in the state and/or condition of a potted plant (1) and for indicating the detected state and/or the change to the owner/user by means of wireless communication,

   - a plurality of sensors or transducers (3) being arranged on or in a nutrient medium in a planter (2) or a container (50), each sensor or transducer detecting at least one physical and/or chemical parameter and each of said parameters being represented as an electric parameter signal,

   - an electronic circuit (22, 58) being provided in the planter (2) or in one of the sensors (3, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 52, 55, 56, 67, 68) which circuit creates digitally coded parameter signals from the detected electric parameter signals and wirelessly transmits said digitally coded parameter signals, preferably in real time, to a receiver (4) located outside the planter (2) or container (50),
   characterised in that

   - at least one sensor (3) is designed to determine the nutrient or pollutant content of the nutrient medium.
2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that

   - the sensor (3) used for determining the nutrient or pollutant content of the nutrient medium detects the conductivity of the nutrient medium located in the container (50) or of the groundwater located in the container, preferably by said sensor carrying out a resistance measurement by means of at least two electrodes (32, 32').
3. System according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that

   - one of the sensors (3) is provided for measuring at least one of the following physical or chemical parameters:

   - temperature and/or moisture of the nutrient medium,

   - temperature and/or humidity of the ambient air,

   - duration and/or intensity and/or type of radiation incident on the potted plant (1) or of light.
4. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - the digitally coded parameter signals are transmitted via an existing communication network, in particular a WLAN or the Internet.
5. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - a plurality of sensors (55, 55', 55") are provided for measuring the moisture and/or the nutrient or pollutant content in the nutrient medium, which sensors are arranged at various heights, preferably on the bottom and/or the wall of the planter (2) or container (50).
6. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - a plurality of sensors (55, 55' 55") are provided for measuring the moisture and/or the nutrient or pollutant content in the nutrient medium, the sensors for measuring the moisture extending from the bottom of the planter (2) or container (50) into the nutrient medium to various extents and the sensors for measuring the nutrient or pollutant content being arranged at various heights of the planter (2) or container (50).
7. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - at least one sensor (3) is designed to determine the moisture in the nutrient medium, the measurement taking place by ascertaining a liquid level by means of a liquid level float (21) connected to a magnet.
8. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - an RFID tag (61) can be attached to the planter (2) or container (50), which tag makes it possible to identify the container (50) by means of an RFID reader.
9. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - one sensor is designed as a mobile sensor clip (33) which can be attached to or in the immediate vicinity of the potted plant (1) and which has a power supply unit (35), a plurality of sensors (34) and a circuit (36) for processing and preferably wirelessly transmitting the electric parameter signals detected by the sensors to the electronic circuit of the associated planter (2).
10. System according to claim 9, characterised in that

    - the mobile sensor clip (33) has approximately the shape of a leaf, a fruit or a blossom, the surface or parts thereof (35) being designed as a solar cell for the power supply.
11. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the sensors (20 to 26) creates immediately digitally coded parameter signals.
12. System according to claim 11, characterised in that

    - more than two sensors (3) are provided, of which at least two, preferably two arranged close together, are connected by means of a line, while the other sensors are networked wirelessly.
13. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

    - at least one sensor (52) for measuring the incident light, in particular for detecting the duration and/or intensity and/or type thereof, is arranged at the top end or on the top edge of the container (50) or planter, preferably a plurality of sensors (52, 52') are arranged at a plurality of points.
14. Method for operating a system according to any of claims 1 to 13 for detecting the state and/or changes in the state and/or condition of a plant (1) and for indicating the detected state to the owner or user of said plant by means of wireless communication,
    characterised in that

    - on or in a planter (2) or container (50), at least two physical and/or chemical parameters are detected, preferably in real time, by a plurality of sensors or transducers (23, 26, 28, 29, 30) of which one parameter indicates the nutrient or pollutant content of the nutrient medium,

    - digitally coded parameter signals are created from the detected parameters and transmitted, preferably wirelessly, to a receiver (4),

    - in a receiver (4), the received parameter signals are processed and output signals are produced therefrom which provide information regarding the state of the object (1) and are transmitted, preferably wirelessly, to the owner or user on a mobile indicator (11), and

    - said indicator (11) conveys to the owner or user, preferably in real time, an optical and/or acoustic indication of the state of the plant (2).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that

    - the user is alerted, preferably in real time, if the digitally coded parameter signal of a monitored plant (2) or the output signals derived therefrom represent a state in which the plant is threatened or can foreseeably represent such a state in the near future.

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